Bolivia's first communications satellite undergoing operational tests

LA PAZ, Feb. 9 (Xinhua) -- Bolivia's first communications satellite is under its full control and expected to be ready for operation on April 1, Bolivian Space Agency (ABE) announced Sunday.

The China-made Tupac Katari satellite, launched on Dec. 21 last year, is in the phase of operational testing with a little help from Chinese technicians, ABE Director Ivan Zambrana told Xinhua, adding the tests were progressing efficiently.

The satellite would be put into commercial use in just over a month and a half, Zambrana said.

It is expected to be used for enhancing mobile telephone, broadband Internet, TV and radio services in Bolivia, especially to the remote communities.